Heroes Among Us

Meeting Ayisha Falaq, you would never guess her secret. Anyone could be fooled by her diminutive frame and large beautiful eyes, as were the two criminals she roundly defeated in a late-night operation. Colin Gonsalves could have used his IIT degree to build a life of comfort anywhere in the world. Instead, he chose to become an advocate of human rights, for those who have none. Jamuna Tudu was an ordinary village girl when she decided that the forest beyond her village must be saved. Today this feisty woman has galvanized her entire district to do so, pushing back the timber mafia.

We often lament the lack of heroes in our lives. That courage, compassion, idealism, a giving heart and selfless public service are rare in today’s world. Our New Year cover story is proof that there is hope still. There are heroes who live among us, who may not come dressed in capes, brandishing swords, but are just as intrepid. These are everyday people, often faced with enormous challenges themselves, who chose a life less ordinary, changing the world a little, in the process. Reporting on the stories of seven such men and women from different corners of India, each of us in the Reader’s Digest team were moved, inspired and filled with admiration. It is our wish that you too start the year with hope and a big smile.

Have a super 2018, folks!